This reminds me of the fact that, like many others, on many tasks I tend to work best right before the deadline,

This is partially the reason why I think that there are people that are incredibly productive and efficient in a structured work environment (like having a boss), and then become less motivated and productive after quitting their jobs and working for their own start-up.

Expectations from people that depend on and demand from you is very motivating, much like a deadline. Start-ups are hard because everyday you have to get up and do something for yourself and suddenly you aren't working as many hours as you were when you were grinding it out in the corporate world.